The Salem Police Department released their reports. On Wednesday, December 9th, the victim of the stolen purse back on December 4th contacted that station. The victim stated her purse was found near Country Mart. The money was the only items missing from the purse. On Friday, December 11th at 9:40 am an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart if reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 31-year old Salem woman for stealing $20.61 of merchandise. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. At 7:00 pm that evening, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 49-year old Salem woman for stealing $51.00 of merchandise. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then at 8:50 pm that same evening, an officer was sent to the 900 block of East Hawkins in reference to a fight. The report led to the arrest of a 17-year old Rolla man for disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, December 12th at 5:20 pm, an officer stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation that led to the arrest of a 51-year old Columbia man for driving while intoxicated, drinking while driving and numerous traffic violations. He was issued summons of the charges and incarcerated.

An accident occurred at 4:20 early Tuesday morning in Dent County on Highway 19 about five miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by 52-year old Melanie Arledge of Salem was traveling southbound on Highway 19. Arledge attempted to avoid an animal in the roadway. The Jeep went off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Arledge suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep was totaled and was left at the scene.

Festive decorations are hallmarks of the holiday season, but according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they also play a role in many U.S. home fires during this time of year. Fires involving Christmas trees, decorative lights, as well as those associated with holiday activities like cooking and candle usage, significantly contribute to seasonal fire rates as well. U.S. fire departments annually respond to 250 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. Here are some guidelines for picking, placing and lighting a tree: if you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant; if you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily; make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights; use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use; replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs; never use lit candles to decorate the tree; always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed; after Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home; bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. According to NFPA, unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. As most cooking fires involve the stovetop, keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. For homes with children, create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. NFPA statistics show more than half of all candle fires start because the candle was too close to things that could catch fire. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candleholders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.

The Rolla Bulldogs blitzed the Salem Tigers scoring five points in the first 17 seconds en route to a 40-15 lead at halftime and never looked back, beating Salem, 71-40. Rolla was led in scoring by Brendon Dowdy with 16 points and ten rebounds followed by Mike Miller with 15 points. Phillip Moser led all Salem scorers with 17 points as the Tigers fall to 1-4 on the year. They will be at Potosi this Friday night.

T.J. Oshie scored the game-winning goal in the latter stages of the third period to lift the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames at Scottrade Center. Andy McDonald, David Backes and Alex Steen also scored for the Blues, who have won four of their last six games overall. Chris Mason turned aside 20 shots while Brad Boyes added three assists in the victory. The Blues will be in Chicago tonight to face the Blackhawks at 7:30 and you can hear the game on KSMO Radio.

St. Louis Rams have released guard Richie Incognito.

Kansas City Royals have signed pitcher Philip Humber to a minor-league contract.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese was arrested on Saturday evening on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The 26-year-old Freese was pulled over by police at 2:41 a.m. as part of a DWI enforcement patrol and was given a sobriety test.

Funeral services for Judy Ann Burnham of Mesa Arizona, formerly of St. James, age 55, will be held Friday at 1:00 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James. Visitation will be from 11:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Wishon Cemetery in St. James. Memorials are suggested to the St. James Sports Club.

Funeral services for Kathryn Mae Cox of St. James, age 86, will be held Saturday at 11:00 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 7:00. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery.

Memorial services for Vickie Lee (Stroburg) Parker of Salem, age 52, will be held Saturday at 1:00 at the New Home Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the MS Foundation. All the arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.

Funeral services for Ethel M. Pettus formerly of Salem, age 89, will be held Monday at 11:00 at the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Mae Andrews of Rolla, age 82, are incomplete at this time but are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary of Rolla.

Today..Mostly sunny, high of 42.
Tonight..Mostly clear, low of 28.
Thursday..Mostly sunny, high near 50.
Thursday night..Partly cloudy, low around 30.
Friday..Partly sunny early, then becoming mostly cloudy by the afternoon, high near 40.
Friday night..Mostly cloudy with a chance for flurries, low of 25.